Packaging Science MS degree

Program overview

The MS degree in packaging science is designed to meet the needs of professionals who are employed in the field or students who wish to pursue a graduate program immediately upon earning a bachelor's degree.

Plan of study

The program requires the completion of 36 credit hours comprised of six required core courses, elective courses, plus a thesis or project. Faculty advisers assist students in selecting the thesis or project option and the corresponding plan of study is approved by the graduate program chair.

Elective courses

All elective courses are approved by the student’s adviser and must meet degree requirements. In certain circumstances, with pre-approval by the graduate adviser and where individual need indicates appropriateness, a limited number of upper-level undergraduate courses may be used to fulfill elective credit. Students, with adviser permission, may include independent study as part of their elective credits. However, independent study may not be used toward the required packaging core course work. Courses selected for elective credit can be combined to create special areas of focus with program chair approval.

Thesis/Project/Comprehensive Exam

The thesis option requires 6 credit hours and develops and tests a hypothesis by scientific method and is grounded in a theoretical framework. Individuals who can capture, interpret, and apply information by this method can add value to their roles as contributors in the workplace. The thesis option is for students seeking to pursue careers that offer a greater opportunity for further research or advanced study in the field of packaging science. It is meant to provide depth of study, emphasizing the research process. The thesis option is by invitation only.

The project option is 3 credit hours and has a practical, application-oriented grounding in literature. It is considered secondary research or the compilation of existing information presented in a new way. The project option is for students who desire advanced study in packaging science, but who do not intend to pursue a research career or further studies beyond the master’s level. Students choosing the project option are required to complete one additional elective course.

The comprehensive exam option is 0 credit hours and allows students to complete an exam in place of a thesis or project. Students who choose this option take two additional elective courses.

The student’s graduate committee makes the final decision regarding the proposal idea and whether it meets the program’s requirements as a graduate project or thesis; or if a student is best served by completing the comprehensive exam.

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are not required. However, in cases where there may be some question of the capability of an applicant to complete the program, applicants may wish to submit scores to strengthen their application.

Students who do not have an equivalent bachelor’s degree in packaging science will be evaluated and the appropriate undergraduate bridge courses will be prescribed. These courses may not be used for credit toward the MS degree.

Applicants are required to have one semester of physics (mechanics focus), one semester of calculus, one year of chemistry (including organic chemistry), statistics, and basic computer literacy.

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. A minimum TOEFL score of 79 (internet-based) is required. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required. The English language test score requirement is waived for native speakers of English or for those submitting transcripts from degrees earned at American institutions.

Students who do not have an equivalent bachelor’s degree in packaging science will be evaluated and the appropriate undergraduate bridge courses will be prescribed. These courses may not be used for credit toward the MS degree.

Applicants are required to have one semester of physics (mechanics focus), one semester of calculus, one year of chemistry (including organic chemistry), statistics, and basic computer literacy.

Additional information

Advising

Students are appointed an academic adviser who works with the program coordinator to develop a program of study. Students follow an outlined curriculum to complete their degree requirements and, with adviser approval, choose packaging electives to enhance their career objectives. Students choose a faculty adviser with approval from their program coordinator for their thesis or project. The faculty adviser guides the student on topic choice and works with the program coordinator for approval and timely completion of the thesis or project.

Quarter Curriculum - For Reference Only

Effective fall 2013, RIT converted its academic calendar from quarters to semesters. The following content has been made available as reference only. Currently matriculated students who began their academic programs in quarters should consult their academic adviser for guidance and course selection.

Program overview

The MS program in packaging science is designed to meet the needs of both professionals who have been employed in the field and for students who wish to pursue a graduate program immediately upon earning a BS degree.

Although an undergraduate curriculum in packaging science is preferred as preparation for the MS program, graduates from certain other disciplines can successfully pursue the program if certain introductory packaging science courses are coupled with appropriate work experience.

Curriculum

The program requires the completion of 48 quarter credit hours comprised of five required core courses, elective courses, plus a thesis or a project. Faculty advisers assist students in selecting the thesis or project option and the corresponding plan of study is approved by the graduate program chair.

Elective courses

All elective courses are approved by the student’s adviser and must meet degree requirements. In certain circumstances, with pre-approval by the graduate adviser and where individual need indicates appropriateness, a limited number of 500-level undergraduate courses may be used to fulfill elective credit. Undergraduate courses used as electives may not exceed 12 quarter credit hours in total. Students, with adviser permission, may include 8 quarter credit hours of Independent Study (0607-978) as part of their elective credits. However, independent study may not be used toward the 20 quarter credit hours of required packaging core course work. Courses selected for elective credit can be combined to create specialties in areas such as packaging science, print media, or service management with program chair approval.

Thesis/Project option

The thesis develops and tests a hypothesis by scientific method and is grounded in a theoretical framework. Individuals who can capture, interpret, and apply information by this method can add value to their role as contributors in the workplace. The thesis option is for students seeking to pursue career options that offer a greater opportunity for further research or advanced study in the field of packaging science. It is meant to provide depth of study, emphasizing the research process.

The project has a practical, application-oriented grounding in literature. It is considered secondary research or the compilation of existing information presented in a new way. The project option is for students who desire advanced study in packaging science, but who do not intend to pursue a research career or further studies beyond the master’s level.

The student’s graduate committee will make the final decision regarding the project and whether it meets the program’s requirements as a graduate project or thesis.

Packaging science, MS degree, typical course sequence (quarters)

Course

Qtr. Cr. Hrs.

First Year

0607-701

Research Methods

4

0607-730

Packaging and the Environment

4

0607-742

Distribution Systems

4

0607-763

Packaging for End-Use

4

0607-783

Packaging Dynamics

4

Choose five of the following electives:

20

0607-721

Packaging Administration

0607-731

Advanced Packaging Economics

0607-750

Graduate Seminar

0607-752

The Legal Environment

0607-770

Advanced Computer Applications

0607-799

Advanced Packaging Design

Choose one of the following:

Graduate Project*

4

0607-890

Thesis

8

Total Quarter Credit Hours

48

* For students who chose the graduate project option, an additional elective course must be completed.

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS program in packaging science, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution,

Have aminimum 3.0 (B) grade-point average in their final two years of undergraduate degree work,

Submit two letters of recommendation,

Submit official transcripts (in English) from all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, and

Complete a graduate application.

Graduate Record Exam scores are not required. However, in cases where there may be some question of the capability of an applicant to complete the program, applicants may wish to submit scores to strengthen their application.

Students who do not have an equivalent bachelor’s degree in packaging science will be evaluated and the appropriate undergraduate bridge courses will be prescribed. These courses may not be used for credit toward the MS degree.

Applicants are required to have one semester of physics (mechanics focus), one semester of calculus, one year of chemistry (including organic chemistry), statistics, and basic computer literacy.

Additional information

Advising

Students entering the program will be appointed a thesis adviser and will work with the program coordinator to develop a program of study. Students follow an outlined curriculum to complete their degree requirements, and with adviser approval, choose packaging electives to enhance their career objectives.

Executive leader option

The executive leader option is an intensive program for industry professionals that focuses on the application of packaging technology in the supply chain. The structure of the program provides individuals with an opportunity to obtain an MS degree without interrupting their employment.

The executive leader option consists of one two-week summer session on campus, course work completed online, and a research project, which may be conducted over two consecutive summers. In addition to the stated application requirements admission to the executive leader option requires the endorsement of senior management/administrative personnel from the applicant’s employer. Candidates are encouraged to align the program’s research project goals with current job responsibilities.